Change in lifestyle must to curb gastro: Dr Venu

Vijayawada: Modern lifestyle is the culprit behind the increased gastrointestinal diseases among people, said noted gastroenterologist Dr N Venu.

Addressing a health education programme conducted at Vasavya Nursing Home here on Saturday, Dr Venu said that modern lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking and eating junk food have been playing havoc with the lives of people.

The modern lifestyle is also affecting the sleep cycle of people, he said and added that insufficient sleep, consumption of food in odd hours and night duties have been spoiling the digestive system.

Dr Venu said that people, who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, experience burning sensation in stomach, indigestion, gas problem, reflux, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and jaundice. “Ulcers, which are formed in stomach if people consumed spicy food and experience stress, might damage the intestines, ” he added.

He expressed concern over the growing number of patients with stones in gall bladder and said that constipation might lead to piles and even anal fissures. He warned people not to consume alcohol as it would damage the liver and pancreas.

Suggesting people to change their lifestyle, Dr Venu said they should avoid alcohol and spicy food. “Taking food in time, and making sure fibre is included in the food, daily physical exercise and eight-hour sleep are must for good health,” he said.

Referring to latest technologies in diagnosing diseases, he said that endoscopy and colonoscopy are available for right diagnosis of disease.Dr Samaram presided over the meeting and Dr Maru proposed vote of thanks.